Dominican Republic police investigate two fatal incidents involving officers

The Dominican Republic's National Police and the Public Ministry are investigating two separate incidents involving police officers that resulted in deaths.

In Sabana de la Mar, officer Ángel Manuel Castro Santana died after being struck in the face by shotgun pellets during a service shift change at the San Rafael police station. Officer Sergio Moreno Fabián has been arrested and is under investigation; authorities seized his service pistol and the 12-gauge shotgun allegedly used in the incident.

In a separate case in the Mendoza sector of Santo Domingo, officer Edwin De los Santos Guerrero, 23, was detained following the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old girl. Preliminary investigations suggest the officer may have had a sentimental relationship with the minor. Authorities are working to determine if the officer's service weapon was used and are investigating the exact circumstances of the shooting. This incident has drawn scrutiny toward the conduct of officers within the context of ongoing police reform efforts.